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Potholm's Observations on Medical Marijuana Debate in New York Times

Story posted October 26, 2009

DeAlva Stanwood Alexander Professor of Government Christian Potholm has been in demand of late — pursued by media outlets across the country for topics ranging from U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe's important role in the ongoing healtcare debate to the issue of same-sex marriage, and now, medical marijuana.

Chris Potholm

On Sunday, October 25, 2009, The New York Times published the article "States Pressed Into New Role on Marijuana," examining how health and law enforcement officials around the country are grabbling with how to regulate medical marijuana.

New York and New Jersey, among others, are considering laws that would allow the use of medical marijuana.

Potholm Program Note

Ali Sozio '07 and Chris Potholm

An ABC News segment featuring Potholm's observations of the same-sex marriage debate, originally scheduled to air October 25, has been rescheduled for broadcast on ABC World News Sunday November 1, 2009.

Included among them is Maine, where residents will vote November 3 on a measure that would create a new system of distribution and licensing.

In the Times article, Potholm sheds light on the interesting nexus between the medical marijuana referendum and another that calls for a ban on same-sex marriage, saying that opponents of same-sex marriage have heavily recruited young, socially conservative voters, who do not tend to be concerned about medical marijuana expansion.

"The 18 to 25-year-old vote is going to be overrepresented because of the gay marriage situation, so overrepresented in favor of medical marijuana," says Potholm in the article.

Recent Coverage: Potholm on Same-Sex Marriage Debate

The Boston Globe (October 20, 2009)

"The defeat in California, which was by no means predicted, was a terrible black eye" for supporters of same-sex marriage, says Potholm in the article, "Same-Sex Marriage Fight Roils Maine."

"They very much want to make Maine a place where they turn that around.'" Read the article.

Washington Examiner (October 13, 2009)

The paper ran an Associated Press story about the money raised on both sides of the referendum regarding Maine's gay marriage law.

"This is a huge national issue coming after defeat of gay marriage in California, and Maine is where the defenders of gay marriage are making their stand," says Potholm in the article. Read the article.